Title
Chief Administrative Office, on behalf of the Broadband Ad Hoc Committee, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign and submit a letter of support to the California Public Utility Commission regarding Administrative Law Judge Glegola’s Proposed Decision to dismiss AT&T California’s application for relief from their Carrier of Last Resort obligations.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 12, 2024, with Legistar file 24-0413, the Chair signed a letter of opposition to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding AT&T California’s application for relief from their Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligations.
AT&T is a COLR and, thereby, required to provide "Plain Old Telephone Service," also known as POTS or landline phone service, upon request to all residential and business customers. POTS has a uniform set of minimum service standards and regulations that does not extend to new technologies that provide similar service, such as wireline Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). While it is not unusual for one company to replace another as a COLR, AT&T requested permission from the CPUC to abandon its COLR obligation without finding a replacement.
If AT&T’s application was approved by the CPUC, over 580,000 affected AT&T customers would be left with fewer options in terms of choice, quality, and affordability. Alternative services, such as VoIP and wireless, have no obligation to serve a customer or to provide equivalent services to AT&T landline customers, including no obligation to provide reliable access to 9-1-1 or LifeLine program discounts. In El Dorado County, AT&T's request would affect 15 census-designated places including incorporated jurisdictions and unincorporated communities.
On May 10, 2024, the CPUC released the proposed decision of Administrative Law Judge Thomas J. Glegola to dismiss with prejudice the application of AT&T California to withdraw as COLR. Until and unless the CPUC hears the item and votes to approve it, the proposed decision has no legal effect. The item is proposed to be heard at the CPUC’s June 20, 2024 Business Meeting.
The letter of support would reiterate to the CPUC the importance of the availability of reliable and affordable telephone service in the event of emergencies, such as wildfires, floods, or severe storms.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve the Chair to sign the letter or to make changes to the letter.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
03/12/2024 Legistar item 24-0413
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain Chair signature on the letter and return to Alison Winter for distribution.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Safe and Healthy Communities - Strengthen Emergency Response Capabilities and Effectiveness
CONTACT
Alison Winter, Principal Management Analyst